Nestled in Orlando’s new Hourglass District, F&D Woodfired Italian Kitchen has added a new pizza joint to the already pizza-heavy neighborhood. F&D brings more than just tasty pizza to the table — literally — with decadent pastas and other entrees in a beautiful dining room.

What I would try a second time

The meatballs al forno ($10 for two or $12 for three) were comfort food perfection. The racquetball-sized orbs were well-packed with ground sausage and herbs with a tart marinara sauce and a dusting of pecorino cheese over top.

What I didn’t like

F&D’s garlic bread ($6) left a lot to be desired. A hefty sprinkle of grana padano (a cheese similar to parmigiano romano) covered the lukewarm pieces of chewy bread. It was hard not to think of the generous knots crusted with garlic and cheese at a nearby pizza joint.

What I would put on Instagram

A wood-fired oven cranks out Neapolitan pizzas such as this due carni with sausage and pepperoni over top.

A wood-fired oven cranks out Neapolitan pizzas such as this due carni with sausage and pepperoni over top. (Lauren Delgado / Orlando Sentinel)

Other eats

Pizza was a must on our visit, so we ordered the due carni ($15). Circles of sausage and pepperoni dotted the pie, which lined with mozzarella. The crust was the ideal chewy-crisp texture with leopard spots all over.

We prepared for a carb-heavy feast with the cacio e pepe ($16). Fettuccine was coated in more grana padano, with pieces of Italian pork and the requisite heavy douse of pepper sticking to each velvety strand.

I always have a little pocket in my stomach saved for dessert, and grandma’s cake ($8) easily filled it. A mellow lemon creme filled the shortbread crust for a light treat.

How I was treated

Our affable server seemed overwhelmed with the influx of dinnertime diners. There were delays throughout the meal.

My next visit

Another pizza or two from F&D’s is in my future — along with one of their non pasta or pizza entrees such as wood-fired salmon (19), chicken Parmesan ($15), osso bucco ($23) or veal marsala ($17).

For bar-hoppers

Craft and macro beers, wine and wine-based cocktails are poured at F&D. The restaurant’s weekly special offerings sometimes include a drink deal — such as $12 bottomless mimosas for Saturday and Sunday brunch.

For those with special diets

F&D fires up three vegan pizzas in addition to a few vegetarian appetizer and entree options.